Churchgoers honor 29 dead miners and profession

A pair of boots and a lunch pail sit on a stage at the New Life Assembly church in Pettus, W.Va., on Sunday during a service held to mourn 29 miners.

PETTUS, W.Va. — A pair of tall black boots and a lunch pail sat near the altar Sunday at the New Life Assembly church — a memorial to the 29 men killed in the worst U.S. mining disaster since 1970 and a thank-you to those who make their living inside the mountains.

This day, the first Sunday since the April 5 explosion killed 28 workers and a contractor at Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch mine in Montcoal, was for many a time to honor the profession. Tears fell and arms swayed in worship among the 50 people gathered at the church.

Pastor Gary Williams, who has worked at Massey Energy mines for 18 years, knew many of the victims. On his way to church Sunday morning, he heard Ricky Workman's name among them for the first time.

"I know his child. I know his wife. He's a part of my family. He's a part of my life," Williams said, tears falling. "Over time, our hearts and the emptiness that we have inside will fade away, but I don't never want to forget what happened April 5, 2010."

Some who died have already been laid to rest. Crews worked Sunday to remove the bodies of others, but the recovery had to be halted because of high gas readings in the mine. Crews need to drill another hole to vent the mine before they can continue.

Four funerals were held Friday, with more scheduled for the weekend. Despite hope that four missing miners might survive long enough for rescuers to reach them, officials announced early Saturday morning that the four had apparently died instantly.

A complete list of victims has yet to be released. Two other miners were injured in the blast, and one remains hospitalized.

A team of federal investigators will arrive today as officials try to figure out what caused the blast. Virginia-based Massey has been under scrutiny for a string of safety violations at the mine, though CEO Don Blankenship has defended the company's record and disputed accusations that he puts profits ahead of safety.

During a homily in Wheeling on Sunday, Catholic Bishop Michael Bransfield said four years is too short a time between West Virginia mine disasters. In 2006, 12 men perished at the Sago Mine.

"Can those entrusted with the protection of miners be trusted to fulfill the jobs and enforce the laws?" he said. "Is our technology in the U.S. mines in 2010 equal to the technology that is easily available in other industries? Is it safer to travel in space than to work in a West Virginia mine?"